Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College embodies a spirit of student-centered academic innovation, faith and leadership to transform ourselves, our communities and our world.

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College empowers students to think critically, engage in lifelong leadership and effect positive change in a spirit of service and social responsibility.

The committee recommended a diversity statement be implemented and honored. The statement reads as follows:

As a matter of institutional priority, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College strives to be an inclusive environment in which faculty members, staff, students and the greater community are respected and embraced regardless of variations in thoughts, experiences, values and traditions. As an academic institution, we foster a dynamic learning and working environment that encourages multiple perspectives and the free exchange of ideas. Founded as a Roman Catholic institution and able to draw on the Greek root of the word catholic meaning “universal,” we cultivate this heritage to develop a strong, respectful and trusting environment for students, faculty and staff. Recognizing the sacredness of humanity, we revere the beauty in all gifts and talents.

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, the oldest Catholic College in Indiana, expanded its mission to include men in all programs in 2015, yet continues to embrace its rich history as a women’s college. Before women fought for equal pay, before women secured the right to vote, before the women’s rights movement even began, there was Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.

For generations, SMWC has been empowering students to make a difference in their lives and in their world. It all started with a holy woman’s faith in divine providence.